Brian Pothier

'07-08 Stats                      Age (on October 1): 31                  Contract: UFA after '10

'07-08 Season Report

In the fabled words of our very own Craig Laughlin, "Potsy is Done-sy."

It doesn't look good for him at all. How many great careers have been stripped by head injuries from players in this sport? A lot. And Pothier looks to be the latest casualty.

As of yet, I have heard nothing that leads me to believe he'll be back on the ice at any point next season.

It's a darn shame Pothier got hurt because he was playing some of his best hockey in a year and a half as a Capital. Despite his injury, his 5 goals in just 38 games tied him for second among Caps blueliners. But, sadly, they may just be his last five goals ever.

Intangibles

Pothier provided steady support on the defense, but you'd have to imagine if he is able to return, he won't be the same player. He'll be avoiding the tough stuff, and no one can really blame him. Concussions signal impending doom for a player's career. Like allergies, concussions get worse and worse each time one occurs. A very disconcerting thought to say the least.

Future Fit

The only fit George McPhee may have to work with here is how he is going to acquire a player to fill Pothier's spot while still being on the hook for $5 million over the next two years.

Surely we won't bear witness to the Danny Snyder-Vinny Cerrato mish-mosh contract restructuring to keep overpriced veterans happy (with their paychecks. Winning takes a back seat for them.) But what this does mean is that Karl Alzner should fit right in Pothier's spot. They are similar enough to make a seamless transition, and Alzner, unlike Pothier, has a limitless ceiling.